● Former Senator Bello Mandiya found dead 72 hours after slipping in bathroom — Senate recounts painful details
Former federal lawmaker and activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has raised alarm over the rising cases of fatal bathroom accidents in Nigerian homes, following the death of former Katsina South Senator, Bello Mandiya.
In a post on X on Wednesday, October 14, Sani wrote that bathroom accidents have wasted many lives, with several cases of spinal cord injuries and other paralyzing health conditions associated with the bathroom.
According to Sani, stepping on a wet floor, a wet soap or rushing to pick a phone can lead to fatal injuries, while badly installed water heaters can also pose electrocution hazards.
His warning comes after Senator Abdul Ningi gave an emotional account at the Senate plenary on Tuesday, of how Mandiya died alone in his Abuja residence.
Senator Ningi recounted that Mandiya, aged 62, was last seen on Friday, September 4, before suffering a fatal fall in the bathroom of his Abuja home. His body was discovered on Monday, September 7, after neighbours became concerned.
“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” Ningi told the Senate.
Ningi explained that Mandiya lived alone and was preparing to attend the Friday congregational prayer when the incident occurred. He had brought out his cap and phones and placed them on the bed before entering the bathroom.
“He slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom,” Ningi was quoted as saying. The former lawmaker’s absence became noticeable after he failed to attend prayers for three consecutive days, prompting the Chief Imam of Apo to raise alarm.
Mandiya represented Katsina South from 2019 to 2023 and served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Aminu Masari. He died at 62.
Sani noted: “The bathroom is a dangerous place that needs your full attention. Its the only room where you strip and lock yourself alone.”
▪︎ *Safety tips for every home:*
1. Always keep bathroom floor dry — use anti-slip mats.
2. Never rush inside the bathroom, especially with wet feet.
3. Install grab handles and rails for elderly persons.
4. Ensure water heaters are properly installed by qualified electricians to avoid electrocution.
5. Keep phones away — do not rush to pick calls while bathing.
6. For those living alone, maintain regular check-ins with family, neighbours or your Imam/Pastor.
7. Consider emergency alarm or keep bathroom door unlocked when alone.
The death of Senator Mandiya should be a lesson to all, Sani warned.